Cardiff crush RGC hopes in Prem Cup
RGC’S hopes of reaching the final of the WRU Premiership Cup were crushed by Cardiff 52-15. Dewi Cross scored a hat-trick of tries for Cardiff in the semi-final at Merthyr – and there were two more from centre Aaran Pinches – as they blew apart the challenge of the Gogs.
Victory for Indigo Premiership champions Cardiff sets up a possible league and cup double.
They meet cup holders Newport in the final at the Principality Stadium on April 24.
Newport overcame Pontypridd 26-10 in their semi-final at the Brewery Field.
“We owe Newport for beating us four times last season and then beating us by a point at home in the league this winter,” said Cardiff head coach Steve Law.
“They are our bogey side, and we have to put that right.
“It is going to be two big clubs who have a lot of history going head-to-head in the final. “It promises to be a great event.”
The Blue and Blacks had their pack to thank for laying the foundations for victory.
They dominated their North Walian opponents to make it three wins over them this season.
Cardiff’s scrum stamped its authority on proceedings with an early penalty and from the resulting line-out, a driving maul saw hooker Efan Daniel touch down.
Cross then hit twice in quick succession – the second after picking off an interception as RGC pressed – for a 19-3 half-time lead.
Cross struck again for a third soon after the break and the floodgates opened.
Pinches squeezed over before RGC were finally rewarded for their ambition when Dan Owens finished a fine break by Dion and Efan Jones.
However, replacement front-row man Alun Rees resumed Cardiff’s scoring with their sixth try before Pinches grabbed his second.
Pedr Jones claimed a consolation second for RGC, but there was still time for Cardiff to score their eighth try when No. 8 Joe Goodchild charged over late on.
Cardiff’s sets up a third cup final meeting between themselves and Newport.
“It is going to be a classic final with two of the biggest rivals in the world of club rugby going head to head,” said Newport team manager Mark Workman.